Omega Procedure Overview
What Is The Omega Procedure?
Who is the omega for?
Omega Procedure Benefits
Pain Relief.
Many patients report significant reductions in the frequency and severity of their headaches. With reduced pain, patients often experience improvements in sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
How the Omega Differs from Other Treatments
omega procedure Process
omega details
Initial Consultation
- Patient Screening: Medical history and symptoms are reviewed to assess suitability for the Omega Procedure.
- Pre-authorization: Insurance coverage is checked, and necessary approvals are obtained.
- Consultation: The patient is briefed on what to expect, potential risks, and benefits.
Trial Phase
Pre-procedure Preparation
- Scheduling: A 45-minute slot is booked for the outpatient procedure.
- Pre-operative Assessment: The patient undergoes preoperative tests and receives instructions for the day of the procedure.
Procedure
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered for patient comfort.
- Lead Placement: Four leads are strategically placed just under the skin at targeted locations on the head.
- Initial Testing: The system is briefly activated to ensure proper lead placement and patient comfort.
Post-procedure
- Monitoring: The patient is observed for any immediate adverse effects.
- Equipment Setup: The external equipment is set up, and the patient is educated on its use.
- Preliminary Assessment: Over the next few weeks, the patient uses the external system to gauge effectiveness.
Permanent Phase
Pre-procedure Preparation
- Insurance & Scheduling: After a successful Trial Phase, insurance approval is obtained for the Permanent Phase, and the procedure is scheduled.
Procedure
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
- Battery Implant: A 1-2 inch incision is made in either the lower back or chest, where a small battery pack is implanted.
- Wire Routing: Wires are run from the battery pack alongside the spine and up to the head.
Post-procedure
- Recovery: The patient is monitored post-surgery for any complications.
- System Testing: The internal system is activated to ensure functionality.
- Patient Training: The patient is trained to use the external remote control.
How It Works
- Mechanism of Action: Thin wires emit electrical impulses that interfere with nerves responsible for migraine pain.
- User Control: An external remote control allows the patient to manage the system.
Follow-up and Long-term Care
- First Follow-up: Typically within a week to remove any stitches and assess initial recovery.
- Regular Check-ups: Periodic reviews to assess the system’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.
- Remote Monitoring: Some systems may have the capability for healthcare providers to monitor system performance and make remote adjustments.
Process Summary
The Omega Procedure is a specialized neurostimulation therapy designed to alleviate chronic migraine pain. This treatment involves two critical phases: the Trial Phase and the Permanent Phase. Each phase has its own set of procedures, durations, and equipment involved, tailored to provide both immediate and long-term relief from migraine pain. Additionally, the mechanism of action and control systems are designed to be user-friendly, offering patients an active role in managing their symptoms. Below, we delve into the specifics of each phase to provide a comprehensive understanding of what patients can expect throughout this transformative journey.
Trial Phase
In the Trial Phase, patients undergo a 45-minute outpatient procedure where the physician places the ends of four leads just under the skin at targeted locations on the head. General anesthesia is usually administered for patient comfort. During this phase, the patient wears the rest of the equipment externally, allowing for a preliminary assessment of the treatment’s efficacy.
Permanent Phase
Following the successful completion of the Trial Phase, patients move on to the Permanent Phase. This typically occurs about 3-4 weeks after the trial and is subject to availability and insurance approval. The procedure lasts between 2-3 hours and involves implanting a small battery pack in either the lower back or chest through a 1-2 inch incision. General anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
How It Works
The Omega Procedure employs undetectable wires, akin to the size of fishing line, that are run alongside the spine and up to the head just underneath the skin. These wires emit gentle electrical impulses that interfere with the nerves responsible for transmitting headache pain. Patients have control over these impulses through an external remote control, which is smaller than most cell phones, allowing them to turn the system on and off as needed.